In order to be considered for this position, all applications must be submitted through the U-M careers site. A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume in a single document to be uploaded in the online application. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position, and the skills and experience that directly relate to this position. In the cover letter please describe your experience supervising a team and leading the development, implementation, or enhancement of student success initiatives and/or process improvements designed to support students experiencing academic challenges. Include specific examples that highlight your leadership approach, decision-making strategies, collaboration with others, and any measurable impact or outcomes of your work.

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY  

The Associate Director for Student Success reports to the Senior Director of the Newnan Academic Advising Center and the General Studies Program. The Newnan Advising Center is situated in the Undergraduate Education Division and plays a critical role in supporting the mission of the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA). This position is primarily on-campus with allowances for hybrid work (i.e. 3 days in office, 2 days remote during academic year). 

The Associate Director for Student Success is responsible for developing and offering a variety of innovative services that proactively support students experiencing academic difficulty and challenges. This position leads holistic and proactive advising initiatives within the advising center by collecting, analyzing, and applying student data to inform strategies that support student success. They will use data to identify leading indicators and metrics of student success so that advisors can proactively support students at scale. Leading this effort will require collaboration with advisors and communication staff within the advising center to develop and implement advising and outreach campaigns.  

The Associate Director for Student Success will play a key role in supporting and enhancing the experiences of students by utilizing national best practices and incorporating university resources into daily operations. They will be expected to build relationships with advisors and administrative staff within Newnan as well as across the College and university. Cultivating and contributing to a culture that is welcoming, supportive, and responsive to the diverse needs of our students and staff is a priority and expectation of this position.

In addition to coordinating support for students, the Associate Director is expected to provide advising assistance to students as needed and supervise several staff members within Newnan. They will collaborate with teams across the College to provide support for students in LSA, including the development and implementation of workshops and initiatives.

Coordination of Student Success Advising and Initiatives (50%)

• Develop, coordinate, and deliver proactive advising and support initiatives for LSA undergraduate students.
• Collaborate with LSA data and assessment staff to analyze student success data in order to identify and mitigate barriers for students.
• Develop and implement an annual cycle of proactive advising initiatives that address student needs across the academic year and throughout the undergraduate lifecycle. 
• Utilize leading indicators, student data, and outcome metrics to inform strategies, guide interventions, and improve student success outcomes.
• In collaboration with the Newnan Senior Director and communications team, develop, implement, and manage strategic outreach initiatives designed to engage students, communicate key academic information, and support student success.
• Utilize data-informed practices to identify students experiencing academic challenges and develop targeted programs and interventions that support student success, retention, and persistence.
• Support and train student success team members in developing effective strategies for working with students experiencing academic challenges, including early intervention, academic coaching, and resource referral.
• Develop and coordinate assessment efforts to evaluate, refine, and strengthen advising strategies and practices designed to support student success and improve student outcomes.
• Contribute to short- and long-term planning efforts that support the strategic goals and operational effectiveness of the Newnan Advising Center.
• Maintain and regularly update guiding and procedural documentation related to students of concern, ensuring student success advisors and key stakeholders have access to clear, consistent, and accessible information that supports shared advising practices.
• Cultivate and sustain strategic partnerships with key University offices, including the Dean of Students Office, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and Wolverine Wellness, to coordinate resources, strengthen support networks, and promote student well-being and success.
• Provide guidance and resolution for complex student and parent cases referred by the Dean's Office, while responding to inquiries from faculty, advisors, and administrative staff to ensure coordinated and effective support for students.

General and Student Success Advising (15%) 

• Deliver comprehensive academic coaching and advising to LSA students, including orientation programming, academic planning support, and guidance related to general academic and student concerns.
• Maintain consistent communication with advisees through email by responding to progress reports, conducting proactive outreach to students experiencing academic difficulty, and informing students about academic options and opportunities that support holistic growth and development.
• Maintain comprehensive and timely records of student interactions, referrals, exceptions to standard procedures, and decisions impacting students' academic standing and degree progress.
• Review, troubleshoot, and resolve complex student concerns related to academic advising, degree exceptions, and graduation requirements to support timely degree progress.
• Maintain communication and collaboration with faculty and administrators to address student concerns, coordinate support, and facilitate informed academic decision-making as needed

Supervision and Leadership (35%) 

• Support the daily operations of the advising center in collaboration with the Senior Director, including coordinating schedules, organizing and facilitating meetings, and ensuring effective staff participation in the center's programs, initiatives, and operational priorities.
• Contribute to the organization and implementation of processes that support the effective functioning of the advising center.
• Lead the development and communication of student success goals to the team, and oversee the implementation of initiatives, programs, and practices designed to advance student achievement, retention, and academic progress. Monitor progress toward goals and guide staff in adopting strategies that support continuous improvement and student success outcomes.
• Provide direct supervision and leadership to the Student Success team, including coaching, mentoring, managing performance, and supporting professional development to ensure effective advising and student success outcomes.
• Hold regular one-on-one and team meetings with direct reports to provide guidance, feedback, and support, and to foster collaboration and alignment.
• Develop and articulate short- and long-term goals that are directly aligned with the mission and strategic priorities of the unit.
• Lead the development and implementation of workshops, group advising sessions, and educational programs to support student learning, academic success, and engagement.
• Lead the development, maintenance, and ongoing enhancement of web resources for Student Success.
• Represent Newnan and/or the college at recruitment and retention activities and events.
• Serve on committees, task forces, and working groups as designated. 
• Proactively identify opportunities and take initiative to enhance the quality and effectiveness of services provided by the center.
• Provide additional support to the Senior Director of Newnan LSA Advising Center as needed.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Supervision is received from the Senior Director of the LSA Newnan Advising Center.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Provide direct supervision to student success team (advisor(s) and coordinator(s)).

• Master's degree in a liberal arts field, higher education or area of study affording understanding of the undergraduate student experience
• At least three years student success experience in a college or university setting
• Proven experience interpreting student data to inform strategic decisions, optimize processes, and implement initiatives that support student success, retention, and academic achievement.
• Extensive experience with student success work, including implementing evidence-based practices, strategies, and initiatives in a college setting to promote student achievement, engagement, and retention.
• Demonstrated experience leading full-time staff for approximately one year in a defined capacity, including supervision, committee or working group leadership, onboarding coordination, or other organizational initiatives that support team effectiveness and development.
• Demonstrated experience creating, implementing, and managing support mechanisms for students of academic concern, utilizing data-informed strategies and evidence-based practices to improve student outcomes, retention, and academic achievement.
• Proven ability to lead and work collaboratively in team environments, building strong partnerships, facilitating communication, and supporting shared goals to advance organizational and student success priorities.
• Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal skills, with the ability to cultivate and sustain positive, collaborative, and professional relationships with students, staff, and faculty to foster a supportive and inclusive advising environment.
• Demonstrated strength in written and oral communication, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.